CANTON — Despite being 62 years old, Jeff Pearson has bowled only about 15 seasons since the 1982-83 season for various reasons.
The Minerva right-hander served in the military, followed that by working during hours that would not permit him to bowl in league play. Then, there was following his daughter’s athletic career and bow hunting.
“I was out of it for about 15 years,” said Pearson, a PCC Airfoils employee. “But I came back when my brother asked me and my wife to bowl in a mixed league during the 2018-19 season.
“I only came back because I wanted to shoot 800. I bought some new equipment and got deeper in again.”
That quest finally reached fruition recently in the Wednesday Eagles league at Eastbury Bowling Center when Pearson had games of 244, 279 and 279 for 802 — his first career 800 after a previous high of 796. He has six career 300 games, the last coming late last season.
“I don’t know how many times it has happened to me the past couple of years where I’ve had two big games and couldn’t get there,” said Pearson, who bowls two leagues at Eastbury with averages of 235 and 218, respectively, while subbing in another. “I just never thought I would get there. We’re all getting older, and I start getting tired by the third game. That’s something that didn’t happen in the past.”
Using his Hammer Black Widow Ghost, the night didn’t start well for Pearson, who had open frames in two of his first four. But that’s when he began his run, striking on his final eight shots of Game 1 before running off the first seven strikes in Game 2. A 10-pin spare ended that run.
But in Game 3 he started with the first three strikes, left another 10-pin, and then struck out for his second straight 279 and the 800.
“With an 800, you have to throw the ball well and have great carry,” Pearson said. “I was subbing at Hall of Fame a couple of weeks ago and watched J.D. Jones shoot 216 the first game and he never missed the pocket. Then, the second game he flushed the first 10 and shot 289 and did the same thing the third game for 288 and shot 788.
“I told (Gary) Rebillot the next night I’ve never seen anyone throw that many balls flush like that and only shoot 788. It’s just carry.”
Pearson also doesn’t believe in buying new bowling equipment. The Widow Ghost and Black Widow are balls he purchased used.
“I got if off eBay for like $65 and got it drilled the Wednesday before. I think I shot 670 or 680 the first time out and then the 800,” Pearson said of the Ghost. “I got the other ball from my brother, who had it a couple of years.”
The night of his 800, Pearson said he moved about “a board and a half” all night “because I started coming in a little heavy.”
But for that one night at least, carry was on Pearson’s side for three games when he needed it.
“I’ll never forget that 10th frame,” Pearson said. “I’ve had times where I’ve thrown the ball great and just didn’t carry.
“But that’s bowling. That’s why I never get upset. Then, you have that kind of night.”